The Los Angeles Lakers can envision a future built around a dynamic European superstar pairing of Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo, a duo that would instantly become one of the most formidable combinations in NBA history. But according to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, that scenario is “unrealistic” at this stage, even as Antetokounmpo’s uncertain future continues to dominate the league’s news cycle.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, have officially begun conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks’ front office regarding the two-time MVP’s future. The discussions come amid Milwaukee’s disappointing 9–13 start, raising speculation about whether the franchise can remain a contender around its star.
“Just in: Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent Alex Saratsis have started conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about the two-time NBA MVP’s future – and discussing whether his best fit is staying or elsewhere, sources tell ESPN. A resolution is expected in the coming weeks,” Charania posted on X.
The update has fueled another round of Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, with teams expected to line up the moment Antetokounmpo indicates he wants out.
Why Lakers Are Behind in the Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Sweepstakes
Buha acknowledged that the Lakers must inquire if Antetokounmpo ultimately requests a trade. However, he believes Los Angeles begins negotiations from a weaker position than other contenders.
“You have to explore it, right?” Buha said on the Lakers Lounge podcast. “But I think the ideal construction, they’re in a tough spot here, where the ideal construction is probably Austin on a max contract plus the three picks.”
Buha noted that the Lakers’ asset timing works against them. Under current rules and circumstances, Los Angeles can only trade one first-round pick at the trade deadline and a maximum of three future first-round picks in the offseason. Complicating matters further, the most valuable young piece they possess — Austin Reaves — is playing under a team-friendly deal that pays him $13.9 million this season, far below Antetokounmpo’s $54.1 million salary. That gap becomes a roadblock when trying to build a legal trade package.
“But that’s not how this is going to play out,” Buha added. “You technically lose one of those picks on draft night when you spend it, and depending on the pick you get, maybe that player still has some value.”
Austin Reaves Not Enough for Bucks’ Long-Term Vision
Reaves’ stock has soared after an All-Star-level start to the season, but Buha said the Bucks would likely prioritize a different kind of return.
“If you’re Milwaukee… he is kind of more of a win-now player,” Buha explained. “Whereas I’d want a 22-year-old blue-chip young prospect plus multiple picks, and the Lakers just can’t currently offer that in either regard.”
Even if the Lakers classify Reaves as a premier asset, their limited draft capital caps their maximum offer. “You still at most only have three picks,” Buha said, calling a potential deal for Antetokounmpo “pretty unrealistic.”
Why Knicks Named as More Logical Landing Spot
Getty Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks heads for the net as Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks defends.
Buha noted that Antetokounmpo reportedly identified an East Coast destination — the New York Knicks — as his preferred landing spot if he ever left Milwaukee, according to Charania’s prior reporting.
“It does feel like if he forces his way out… he probably goes more East,” Buha said. “It’s an easier flight to Greece. His family right now is splitting time between Greece and Milwaukee.”
Bottom Line: Lakers Can Dream, But East Coast Has Edge
For now, the Lakers’ hopes of pairing Antetokounmpo and Dončić remain more dream than reality. While Los Angeles will explore any opportunity, front-loaded trade assets and geography appear to favor teams in the East.
Unless Antetokounmpo forces his way specifically to L.A., the Lakers enter the sweepstakes well behind organizations positioned with deeper picks, younger blue-chip prospects — and a shorter flight to Athens.
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